Kerry Segrave

Anti-Kissing in America, 1876-1922 Kerry Segrave

dern anti-kissing era began in 1876 when Robert Koch proved that microorganisms could transfer disease from an ill creature to a healthy creature. At that point the war on kissing in America began in earnest. It was a war against microbes wherever they were found, such as on common drinking cups at public fountains and on brushes and combs used by barbers and hair stylists on customer after customer. Especially, though, it was a crusade against kissing, for that contained an emotional component not found in attacks on cups and combs. Underlying the assault on kissing in America was a strong moral component and a puritan streak. The war on kissing was a war on bacteria but it was also a war on "moral bacteria." Many of the attacks on kissing delivered as health concerns actually masked that moral outrage. The crusade penetrated all parts of society. Religious figures weighed in against the practice. A major target was on the practice of kissing babies; women who greeted other women by kissing them were heavily criticized. The Pennsylvania Railroad tried to prohibit the practice at its depots. Several people were taken to court and fined for engaging in the practice in the streets, even married couples. Many anti-kissing organizations were formed; many states and other jurisdictions passed, or tried to pass, legislation against kissing. The anti-kissing crusades were another example of a unique American custom - the moral regulation of social affairs.